Do I have to wait for a lease agreement to expire before I can sue if the person left and has not paid their portion of the rent

Dear Brooklyn Tenant: The roommate has nothing to do with your lease agreement with the landlord. You should have a separate agreement (a...

How to waiver a legal fee from a landlor

Dear Yonkers tenant: The general rule in New York landlord and tenant matters is that notwithstanding an attorney fees clause in a lease or...

How to determine damage costs?

Dear Far Rockaway Tenant: Is this damage you caused during your tenancy, and your lease is up, and you moved out? If so, you are not likely to...

Did I waive my rights???

Dear Far Rockaway Tenant: If you do not believe the lease clause you initialed is a waiver of right to one week notice for non emergency access,...

I answered my notice of petition today for nonpayment and the clerk said she had to ask for the money before filing she In fact

Dear Staten Island Tenant: There is NO requirement to pay the rent in dispute in a nonpayment proceeding when answering a petition at the...

Is my 30 day notice legal?

Dear Bronx Tenant: Whether the termination notice is "legal" enough to support a summary holdover proceeding can be tested only in Court. But...

What is considered normal wear and tear?

Dear Far Rockaway Tenant: "Scratched up pretty badly" is a good definition for not "ordinary" or "normal" wear and tear.

How can I get my security back after signing a lease and not able to move in? PLEASE ADVISE SOON. Thank you!

Dear Bronx Tenant: If the proposed new lease is for a residence in New Jersey, I suggest that you post the question again for a New Jersey...

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Landlords taking me to court, do I have a standing chance?

Dear Lancaster Tenant: I am an attorney licensed in New York State. I do not practice in Pennsylvania. The lease you claim you signed under...

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I live in terrible conditions in a walk up apartment in NYC.

Dear NYC Tenant: Of course it is not legal to maintain a building anywhere in New York City in a slum-like condition. The New York State...

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